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NBA Seattle: Prospect of the NBA Returning to Seattle Looks Extremely Promisinghttps://knowhitter.com/2016/10/25/nba-seattle-prospect-nba-returning-to-seattle-promising/
https://knowhitter.com/2016/10/25/nba-seattle-prospect-nba-returning-to-seattle-promising/#respondTue, 25 Oct 2016 19:33:04 +0000http://knowhitter.com/?p=2049Continue reading →]]>It has been eight long year since the Seattle SuperSonics left the Pacific Northwest.

Now, it seems Seattle is closer to getting the Sonics and the NBA back in Seattle.

Back in mid-October, the fine people at SB Nation’s Sonics Rising reported that expansion was “on the table” for the NBA with a new CBA widely reported to be in the works. After seeing the Kings rescued and new arenas being built in other cities, this has been Seattle’s best shot to reenter the league.

Within the week, news came out about Chris Hansen (the driving force behind bringing back the Sonics) buying even more land in SoDo.

So things were obviously looking positive for Seattle’s efforts to restore professional men’s basketball to the Emerald City.

There was also this nugget from a David Aldridge article about the subject of basketball in the Pacific Northwest’s largest city. The writer quoted “a very high ranking executive of one of the league’s 29 teams.” Said executive was quoted as saying “Seattle is a far better market than at least 10 NBA cities.”

So hey, we’ve got that going for us.

While there was obvious caution seeing as we’ve swung and miss with the league before, things were looking up.

Then this wonderful (at least for those who want to see the National Basketball Association back in the Pacific Northwest) news broke. King 5’s Chris Daniels reported that Hansen and company are offering to privately fund the new SoDo arena, as well as helping to fund the Lander Street overpass.

Additionally, Daniels’ reports also states that the offer is “conditioned on the city agreeing to vacate a one-block stretch of Occidental Avenue and the addition of several tax credits.”

The website behind Hansen’s efforts to build a new arena also announced the news.

What’s more, according to a tweet from Daniels, Seattle Council president Bruce Harrell calls the offer to privately fund the arena a “game changer.” You can see the entire tweet below.

It is extremely positive news for hoop fans in Seattle. While it by no means ensures that a team will come, it is a massive step forward in the grand scheme of things if Hansen is able to privately fund the arena and the overpass.

The Mariners were in it right up until the second to last day of the season.

Despite the season ending without a long-awaited return to the playoffs, there were plenty of positives to be had.

Here are the winners and losers of the 2016 Seattle Mariners season.

Winner: Edwin Diaz

Edwin Diaz certainly made quite the impression in his rookie season. The flame throwing reliever pitched to a 2.79 ERA while racking up 18 saves in 51.2 innings pitched. He also struck out 88 batters. If you do the math, that comes out at 15.3 punch outs per nine innings. So yeah, this Diaz guy is pretty good.

Diaz will likely continue to close games in Seattle for the better part of the next decade.

Loser: Adam Lind

Acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers for a trio of minor-league prospects, Lind had an opportunity to establish himself as the team’s first baseman for at least the next few seasons.

However, the former Brewer and Blue Jay hit just .239 with a sub-par .286 on-base percentage. It didn’t help that the veteran’s RBI total dipped from 87 in 2015 to just 58 this past season.

Winner: Mike Zunino

It seems that Mike Zunino is once again in Seattle’s plans. The slugging catcher collected 31 RBI, 16 runs scored, 12 home runs and seven doubles in just 55 games. While his .207 batting average isn’t much to write home about, the backstop did produce a career-best .318 on-base percentage and a 1.8 WAR.

Loser: Chris Iannetta

Like Lind, Iannetta was brought in to start. The backstop started his fair share of games (94), but ultimately lost significant playing time to Zunino.

Winner: Ariel Miranda

Acquired for Wade Miley, Miranda turned in a string of quality performances for the M’s down the stretch. The 27-year-old could be a long-term piece in the Pacific Northwest if he continues to put up numbers similar to the 5-2 record and 3.54 ERA he posted in 2016.

Miranda’s performance looks even better when you consider that the pitcher he replaced in the rotation and was traded for, Miley, owned a 4.98 ERA and a 4.76 FIP. Miley also did all that after being traded for both Carson Smith and Roenis Elias.

Losers: Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma

Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma didn’t have the best seasons compared to their high standards. The duo, who have All-Star Game appearances and numerous Cy Young votes to their name, struggled in 2016. Hernandez’ FIP sat at 4.63, while Iwakuma’s wasn’t much better at 4.27.

Seattle will need the two back at their best next season in order to make a push for the playoffs.

]]>https://knowhitter.com/2016/10/13/seattle-mariners-2016-winners-and-losers/feed/0knowhitterFantasy Football Trade and Waiver Wire Targets for Later in Seasonhttps://knowhitter.com/2016/09/12/fantasy-football-trade-and-waiver-wire-target-for-later-in-season/
https://knowhitter.com/2016/09/12/fantasy-football-trade-and-waiver-wire-target-for-later-in-season/#respondMon, 12 Sep 2016 20:05:26 +0000http://knowhitter.com/?p=2042Continue reading →]]>Fantasy Football season is upon us. With Week 1 nearly done and dusted, the attention of fantasy players will shift to the waiver wire and to the trade market. Here’s a look at some trade targets (or waiver wire additions if they’re available in your league) that you should look into.

Some of these players may be candidates to buy low now on and reap the benefits later, but they’re all worth a look.

Michael Thomas

Thomas caught six passes against the Raiders for 58 yards in Week 1. Also, the Saints like to throw the ball—a lot. Thomas may not out-produce Willie Snead, but he could put up big numbers as a rookie in New Orleans. He’s a worthy flex play moving forward and could grow into a WR2.

Jimmy Graham

Yes, he isn’t 100% healthy yet, and yes he didn’t do too much in Week 1, but the Seahawks are going to throw the ball more, and that should generate in more looks for Graham. He won’t struggle like he did last season, and someone may be willing to sell low on the tight end.

Derrick Henry

If Henry takes over for Demarco Murray, the rookie could put up top-10 running back numbers as a starter. He’s that good.

Travis Benjamin

If you need a Keenan Allen replacement, this is your guy. The former Brown made seven catches in Week 1, and should get a healthy number of targets moving forward. He put up some big numbers for Cleveland last season, and could thrive with Phillip Rivers throwing him the ball.

Chris Hogan

Like Thomas, Hogan won’t overtake some of the other receiving options on his own team (Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski) in the pecking order for targets. However, he could easily settle into the New England offense as the number three option. As a flex play, he’s worth a look.

Tyrod Taylor

Taylor has the chance to be a top fantasy quarterback thanks to his ability to rack up points through the air and on the ground. You could get him for cheap following his struggles against the Ravens in Week 1.

Coby Fleener

Like Taylor, Fleener is a buy-low candidate after a quiet Week 1 (one catch for six yards). In a high-octane offense in New Orleans, Fleener could post elite numbers at the tight end position.

Thomas Rawls

Another buy-low candidate, Rawls could be back up to full speed in the not-too-distant future. Christine Michael and C.J. Prosise will be a part of the offense moving forward, but it will be hard to keep the talented Rawls off the field for the Seahawks. Buy low if you can.

]]>https://knowhitter.com/2016/09/12/fantasy-football-trade-and-waiver-wire-target-for-later-in-season/feed/0knowhitterSeattle Seahawks Lock Arms During National Anthem: Images and Videohttps://knowhitter.com/2016/09/12/seattle-seahawks-lock-arms-during-national-anthem-images-and-video/
https://knowhitter.com/2016/09/12/seattle-seahawks-lock-arms-during-national-anthem-images-and-video/#respondMon, 12 Sep 2016 19:32:32 +0000http://knowhitter.com/?p=2037Continue reading →]]>Before the Seattle Seahawks played the franchise’s home opener against the Miami Dolphins, the entire team and coaching staff locked arms and stood together in a sign of unity.

Juventus has added striker Gonzalo Higuain to their team. The club announced the move on the team’s official website, stating that “Juventus Football Club can today confirm that it has purchased the registration rights of Gonzalo Higuain for €90 million, payable in two financial years… The player has agreed to a five-year contract with the club.”

This is significant news for an already-talented Juventus team that will now add one of Europe’s most prolific strikers.

Higuain joins from rivals Napoli, where he bagged 36 goals in 35 domestic appearances for the club. He also registered a pair of assists while firing off 5.2 shots per game. The Argentine will likely partner with countryman Paulo Dybala in attack, with Mario Mandzukic providing another option.

Another big-name signing

Higuain becomes the Bianconeri’s fifth signing of the offseason, and all five have been significant. Midfield ace Miralem Pjanic was first to join. He was soon joined by a pair of potentially world-class defenders in Dani Alves and Medhi Benatia. Talented young winger Marko Pjaca was also brought in before Higuain.

Rich get richer

With the addition of the Argentine forward, Juventus have now weakened a top domestic rival for the second time this transfer window. Pjanic was arguably Roma’s best player before joining up with Paul Pogba, Sami Khedira, Claudio Marchisio and the rest of the Juventus midfielders. By the same token, Higuain was undoubtedly Napoli’s top performer last season thanks to his prolific goal scoring.

With five straight domestic titles wrapped up, the additions of Pjanic, Higuain and company set up the Old Lady as overwhelming favorites for a sixth consecutive title.

With the move, it is clear that Max Allegri and company are aiming to claim Europe’s ultimate prize. Even if Pogba departs via transfer, Juventus will field one of the most talented rosters on the continent. What’s more, the team also had tremendous depth. Simone Zaza and Daniele Rugani, two player who could start for a number of teams in Italy and abroad, are now fourth-choice at their respective positions.

There is also the possibility that Pogba stays in Turin this summer, making Juventus all the more dangerous in Europe.

]]>https://knowhitter.com/2016/07/26/juventus-announce-gonzalo-higuain-signing/feed/0knowhitterGonzaga Basketball Could Contend for Final Four in 2016/2017https://knowhitter.com/2016/07/16/gonzaga-final-four-20162017/
https://knowhitter.com/2016/07/16/gonzaga-final-four-20162017/#respondSat, 16 Jul 2016 03:12:23 +0000http://knowhitter.com/?p=2030Continue reading →]]>The Gonzaga Bulldogs have run one of the most successful college basketball programs in the past decade. Gonzaga has been to 18 straight NCAA tournaments, and the team could only be getting better.

Despite losing the team’s top three scorers and four of the top eight scorers overall, Gonzaga is poised for a potential Final Four run during the upcoming season.

Yes, impact players like Kyle Wiltjer, Domantas Sabonis, Eric McClellan and Kyle Dranginis have all departed, but the Zags return plenty of talent.

Up front, Przemek Karnowski is back for a sixth season. The towering center is a force in the paint and an adept passer. It’s probably not a stretch to say that you can run an offense through him. What’s more, he can also provide a significant impact on defense with his shot-altering ability.

Additionally, the team brings back point guard Josh Perkins, who shot 38% from three last year, to go along with 10.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. Defensive stopper and double-digit scoring threat Silas Melson also returns.

The real excitement comes in Gonzaga’s new arrivals. Johnathan Williams, who sat out last season after transferring from Missouri, will take one of the frontcourt spots vacated by Wiltjer and Sabonis. The ex-Missouri standout averaged 16.2 points and 9.7 rebound per 40 minutes at his previous school.

Fellow transfer Nigel Williams-Goss, who arrives via Washington, will also start. The point guard should slot in next to Perkins in a two-guard backcourt. In his sophomore campaign in Seattle, the stat-sheet stuffer averaged 17 points, 6.4 assists and 5.1 rebounds per 40 minutes.

Rounding out the list of transfers is Jordan Mathews. The shooting guard arrives after a successful career at Cal, where he averaged at least 17.6 points per 40 minutes in each of his seasons at the school. In his last year with the Pac-12 heavyweights, the sharpshooter hit 41.6% of his threes while adding 18.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists per 40 minutes.

With a starting lineup consisting of Williams-Goss, Perkins, Mathews, Williams and Karnowski, Gonzaga should make some serious noise in the early going as a team that lands in the top 10 or 15 of rankings.

However, what makes the Zags special is there depth.

Head coach Mark Few welcomes perhaps the best recruiting class in school history. Center Zach Collins and shooting guard Zach Norvell are both ESPN 100 recrutis, while Tille and Hachimura are ranked as four-star prospects by Scout.com. Well-regarded Danish center Jacob Larsen rounds out the group.

Collins looks like a future pro with a solid post game, range to step out and knock down shots from the outside, as well as the ability to block shots. Meanwhile, Norvell is a dynamic scorer that should immediately make an impact off the bench.

Hachimura will provide another dynamic presence on the perimeter. ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla said that “He’s going to remind people of a bigger Elias Harris.”

With Karnoswki, Williams, Collins and junior center Ryan Edwards taking up minutes down low, Tille and Larsen may end up redshirting, however, if they play it wouldn’t be a surprise to see either make an impact considering how well Gonzaga has recruited internationally over the last few years.

Not only do Gonzaga have the talent be extremely successful next season, but they also have the depth to sustain a deep NCAA tournament run.

Juventus very nearly took down Bayern Munich in last season’s Champion’s League Round of 16 tie. While the loss was a tough pill to swallow, it only reinforced the notion that the Old Lady can stand toe-to-toe with the other continental powers in Europe.

If this summer’s transfer activity has shown anything, it is that the Bianconeri have their sights set on the Champions League title that evaded them when they lost to Barcelona in the final two seasons.

So far, Juve have seen Alvaro Morata return to Real Madrid via buy-back clause, while Juan Cuadrado headed back to West London upon the expiration of his loan deal. In addition, squad players like Rubinho, Martin Caceres and Simone Padoin all moved on. Rubinho and Caceres left when their contracts ended, while Padoin was sold to Cagliari.

Morata fell behind Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic in the forward pecking order, while the presence of Simone Zaza made the Spaniard that much more expendable. Additionally, Cuadrado seemed unlikely to stay seeing as the wingback is perfectly suited for incoming Chelsea manager Antonio Conte’s preferred 3-5-2 system.

In their place, Juve have brought in midfield maestro Miralem Pjanic from arch-rivals Roma, and defender Dani Alves from Barcelona. In typical Beppe Marotta fashion, Alves arrived on a free transfer.

The Bianconeri don’t seem to be done on the transfer market either. Juventus’ official website announced that former Roma center back Medhi Benatia completed a medical at the team’s health center ahead of a potential move from Bayern Munich.

Additionally, there are reports from Gazzetta World that Juventus could be weakening yet another close rival and domestic competitor. The Old Lady could potentially be bringing in striker Gonzalo Higuain. The report also states that Roberto Pereyra could be heading to Naples. Either way, it would be a fantastic bit of business for Juventus in terms of strengthening their squad.

Should deals for Benatia and Higuain go through (as well as any sale of Pereyra), Juventus will essentially have replaced five bench players (Padoin, Caceres, Morata, Rubinho and Pereyra) with a group of players capable of starting for the vast majority of teams in Europe.

Pjanic, Alves, Higuain and Benatia (when he’s on form) are easily amongst the top 10 or 15 players at their respective positions in the world.

Did I mention Juventus have managed to keep hold of Paul Pogba?

Juventus’ current roster oozes with quality. The vaunted “BBC” backline comprised of Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini return, as does the exceptional Gianluigi Buffon. The defense will be joined by the likes of Benatia and the continually developing Daniele Rugani.

On the wings, manager Max Allegri will start either Alves or Stephan Lichtsteiner on the right, and one of Patrice Evra or Alex Sandro on the left.

Allegri will have even more difficult selections to make in the center of the park. Some combination of Pogba, Pjanic, Sami Khedira and (when healthy) Claudio Marchisio will start in midfield. They’re backed up by Mario Lemina, Hernanes, the versatile Kwadwo Asamoah and Stefano Sturaro.

Up front, Dybala, Mandzukic and Zaza return. The signing of Higuain would put Juve’s group of forwards up there with the best attacking units in the world thanks to the stylist diversity provided by the incumbent trio.

It’s been a wildly successful summer so far for the Bianconeri, and it looks like it will continue to be successful as Juve adds more pieces to win in Europe.

Don’t be surprised to see Buffon and the rest of the Juventus squad finally lift that elusive Champions League trophy come next year.

]]>https://knowhitter.com/2016/07/15/juventus-signings-could-champions-league/feed/0knowhitterSeattle Seahawks Fill Needs, Add Intriguing Upside in Early Rounds of Drafthttps://knowhitter.com/2016/04/30/seattle-seahawks-fill-needs-add-intriguing-upside-in-early-rounds-of-draft/
https://knowhitter.com/2016/04/30/seattle-seahawks-fill-needs-add-intriguing-upside-in-early-rounds-of-draft/#respondSat, 30 Apr 2016 20:15:48 +0000http://knowhitter.com/?p=2021Continue reading →]]>Seattle Seahawks front office members made a number of trades, but ended up with a first-round pick, a second-round pick and three third-round picks.

John Schneider and friends certainly had a lot to work with, and they did well to add players who not only fill needs, but add significant talent and upside to an already young and exciting Seahawks team. Here’s a look at the team’s picks.

1st Round Pick, 31st Overall, OT Germain Ifedi

Initially assigned the 26th-overall pick, the Seattle Seahawks traded down five spots with the Denver Broncos. For moving down just five place, Pete Carroll and company netted an extra third-round draft pick.

When it came to picking at 31, Seattle took offensive lineman Germain Ifedi. The Texas A&M product is extremely physical up front and could potentially start right away. What’s more, Ifedi could stay a starter for a long time. He has significant potential thanks to tremendous length and strength.

He isn’t a finished product by any means, but the presence of offensive line coach Tom Cable, Seattle can take some more risks with offensive lineman. The team knows they can eventually be coached up. Ifedi has a pretty solid base to begin with, and should only improve under Cable’s tutelage.

2nd Round Pick, 49th Overall, DT Jarran Reed

Seattle used the team’s second round pick to snag the last player left in the green room, Alabama defensive tackle Jarran Reed.

Reed should also contribute right away after earning a reputation as a tremendous run stopper. That’s where he’ll earn a living with the Seahawks, stuffing the run. The fact that Seattle got a defensive tackle with first-round talent with the 49th-overall pick is fantastic for the team moving forward.

Defensive line was a need for the Hawks entering the draft, and adding Reed gives the team a potential impact player on the line.

3rd Round Pick, 90th Overall Pick, RB C.J. Prosise

New Seahawk C.J. Prosise played wide receiver at Notre Dame before transitioning to running back. Physical and elusive, he can also contribute in the pass game thanks to his background as a wide out.

In his only season as a starter in the backfield the former receiver ran for 1,029 yards on 6.6 yards per carry. He found the endzone 11 times while also adding 26 catches for 308 yards and another score through the air.

As a pass-catching compliment to Thomas Rawls, this is an excellent pick. You can bet the Seahawks will try to get him the ball in different ways, lining him up in different spots and things of the like.

3rd Round, 94th Overall Pick— TE Nick Vannett

Seattle had two third-round picks, the team’s own and the pick they got from Denver when the Broncos wanted to move up a few spots in the first round to take Paxton Lynch. The Seahawks used the pick from John Elway and company on athletic tight end Nick Vannett.

Athletic with solid hands, Vannett gives Seattle some legitimate depth at tight end. With Jimmy Graham and Luke Willson already in the fold, Vannett gives the team another quality tight end. At 6’6” with serious athleticism, the Ohio State product will contribute. Did I mention he’s a solid blocker? The Seahawks got a good one here.

3rd Round, 97th Overall Pick— Rees Odhiambo

The Hawks’ last third round pick came via a compensation selection. Seattle took another offensive lineman, this time selecting Boise State’sRees Odhiambo. Originally from Kenya, the lineman will likely see time at both guard and tackle. Strong and athletic, if he can stay healthy, he could be a long-term solution for the Seahawks on the offensive line.

Carroll, Cable and the rest of the Seahawks’ coaching staff values guys who can play multiple positions up front, and that’s Odhiambo. At worst, he’ll be a solid depth piece. However, he could easily develop into a starter.

]]>https://knowhitter.com/2016/04/30/seattle-seahawks-fill-needs-add-intriguing-upside-in-early-rounds-of-draft/feed/0knowhitterArsenal to Play in 2016 MLS All-Star Game, Will the MLS All-Stars Beat Arsenal?https://knowhitter.com/2016/02/11/arsenal-to-play-in-2016-mls-all-star-game-will-the-mls-all-stars-beat-arsenal/
https://knowhitter.com/2016/02/11/arsenal-to-play-in-2016-mls-all-star-game-will-the-mls-all-stars-beat-arsenal/#respondThu, 11 Feb 2016 17:59:26 +0000http://knowhitter.com/?p=2015Continue reading →]]>Per the English Premier League club’s official Twitter account, Arsenal will play the MLS All-Stars later this year. Check out the video below for more.

]]>https://knowhitter.com/2016/02/11/arsenal-to-play-in-2016-mls-all-star-game-will-the-mls-all-stars-beat-arsenal/feed/0knowhitterSeattle Seahawks: 3 Reasons the Hawks will be better in 2016https://knowhitter.com/2016/01/19/seattle-seahawks-3-reasons-the-hawks-will-be-better-in-2016/
https://knowhitter.com/2016/01/19/seattle-seahawks-3-reasons-the-hawks-will-be-better-in-2016/#respondTue, 19 Jan 2016 22:56:33 +0000http://knowhitter.com/?p=2013Continue reading →]]>The Seattle Seahawks nearly pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history against the Carolina Panthers, but just fell short. It was a comparatively tougher season after two straight Super Bowl appearances and a slow start.

However, there’s a number of reasons to believe that the Seahawks will be back and better than ever next season. Here’s three of them.

Jimmy Graham

In the last seven games of the regular season Russell Wilson amassed 1,949 passing yards, 22 touchdowns (only two interceptions) and a 124.4 quarterback rating without Jimmy Graham. Imagine Wilson running an offense with Graham.

Injuries to running backs Marshawn Lynch and Thomas Rawls forced Seattle to throw more, and it worked out brilliantly. Wilson was historically good, and the team excelled when leaning on passing plays.

Graham’s injury was particularly unfortunate, because it seemed as if he had finally adjusted to playing with the scrambling Wilson after years of catching passes from the stationary Drew Brees.

After so much success, Pete Carroll and company aren’t likely to abandon the prolific passing attack anytime soon. This increased number of throwing plays will only benefit Graham. The combination of the towering tight end, Doug Baldwin and Tyler Lockett will give opposing defenses nightmares.

A Healthy Run Game

Whether this is Lynch, Rawls or a bit of both, the Seahawks’ star running backs will both likely be fully healthy in 2016/2017 after each missing significant time due to injury. The combination of a dominant run game, regardless of the back, with a dynamic passing attack will make Seattle one of the league’s best teams.

The Continued Improvement of Russel Willson

By all accounts, the Seattle signal caller had a career year in 2015. Wilson set career highs in the following categories:

Completions

Completion Percentage

Passing Yards

Passing Touchdowns

Yards Gained Per Pass Attempt

Adjusted Yards Gained Per Pass Attempt

Passing Yards Per Game

Quarterback Rating

QBR

Net Yards Gained Per Pass Attempt

Adjusted Net Yards Per Pass Attempt

As time goes by, Wilson continues to get better and better, showing steady improvement. He’s already one of the best quarterbacks in the league, but he has the potential to grow his game even more considering his track record. With more control in the offense next season, expect Russell Wilson to continue to grow and the Seattle Seahawks to come back strong in 2016.